HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to send congratulatory messages to Quentin Bryce, the Governor-General of Australia, and Julia Gillard, the Prime Minister of Australia, as well as the Government and people of Australia, on the occasion of Australia Day.

In the message to Quentin Bryce, His Majesty expressed his pleasure at hosting the Governor-General of Australia and her spouse, Michael Bryce, in Brunei Darussalam last October. His Majesty said he greatly appreciated the Governor-General of Australia’s contribution in strengthening the excellent bilateral ties between the two countries and the warm friendship between their people.

In the message to Julia Gillard, His Majesty said he very much appreciated the long-standing friendship and cooperation enjoyed by the two countries and people. His Majesty also hoped to work closely with the Prime Minister of Australia in the coming months to strengthen these much-valued bilateral ties.

His Majesty also expressed his pleasure at meeting the Prime Minister of Australia in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, last November and looked forward to welcoming her to Brunei Darussalam this year for the East Asia Summit.

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, sent a similar congratulatory message to his counterpart, Bob Carr, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Australia.

“I am very pleased to send my warmest congratulations to you and to the government and people of Australia as you celebrate Australia Day,” HRH said in the message to Bob Carr.

“I much appreciate the most wide-ranging cooperation our countries enjoy and look forward to continuing to strengthen our traditional friendship and goodwill during the coming year, especially as close regional partners.” - Borneo Bulletin (26 January 2013)